Run Flats

[colinallcars]

This has been covered many times but in the other direction. My question is can you replace standard tyres with run flats? Not on a Merc but a BMW X1. Our last one had them but our new one has standard tyres and a can of gunge.

 

[SpikyMikey]

This has been covered many times but in the other direction. My question is can you replace standard tyres with run flats? Not on a Merc but a BMW X1. Our last one had them but our new one has standard tyres and a can of gunge.

Don't see why not.
Interesting that your new X1 doesn't have them; is it "new new" or new to you?

 

[colinallcars]

Don't see why not.
Interesting that your new X1 doesn't have them; is it "new new" or new to you?

New to me 2021 model, the last one was 2013

 

[SpikyMikey]

Could be that the original owner changed from runflats, although I see that on the latest version of the X1, BMW are fitting 'normal' tyres at the factory.
Word of advice: if you go back to runflats, don't go for Bridgestones.

 

[190]

I've no doubt they could be fitted but the question I'd want answering is what would run flats do to the ride comfort.

The early run flats on BMW's were dreadful in terms of ride comfort and people couldn't wait to get rid of them and fit normal tyres to bring the car back to a civilised level of compliance. Cars with run flats do now have improved ride comfort but is that improvement in compliance due to the tyre or is it the fact that the cars suspension has been designed specifically for using run flats. If it's mostly the latter and I think it is, then fitting run flats to a car which hasn't been designed for them may take you back to a poor ride.

I've driven for a minimum of 31 years (that's as far back as I can remember with absolute certainty) without having a puncture, so if it was me, I'd keep the ride comfort and risk the can of gunge or buy breakdown cover.

Results of a quick Google on BMW and runflats:

BMW has largely moved away from using run-flat tires primarily because of customer complaints regarding their harsh ride quality, increased wear and tear on the tires and suspension, and the higher cost compared to standard tires

 

[rf065]

You can swap standard tyres and runflats, but you need to do all 4 at the same time.
Runflats have a bad reputation due to early BMW ones, but I've been running them for the last 8 years, Continental, Goodyear and Bridgestone (winters) and have no problems with them.
Only ever had one puncture with them and it was on the motorway, managed to get 20 miles to the next services instead of being stranded on the hard shoulder in the middle of winter.
Worth every penny in that situation.

 

[C320]

There are run flats out there that offer similar comfort to non-run flats and no weight penalty. OP whatever your needs. Buy accordingly. Enjoy.

 

[SpikyMikey]

There are run flats out there that offer similar comfort to non-run flats and no weight penalty. OP whatever your needs. Buy accordingly. Enjoy.

Michelin are the go to currently according to those who know.

 

[C320]

Michelin are the go to currently according to those who know.

Yes sir!

 

[Fastcar155]

A friend of mine had a puncture. He evucated his car with the intention of changing the wheel.He is 78 and like some older people has trouble in getting up from the ground.It suddenly came to his intention he could not change the car wheel.

All his cars now have run flat tyres.

 

[colinallcars]

Thanks for all the input. It was a puncture that prompted the question, fortunately I was able to get home before it deflated completely. Although getting towards the end of its life, I’ve had it repaired with the intention of replacing all four in the not too distant future. I’ll make my decision then, now that I know runflats are an option; price may come into play as they seem to be about £40 per tyre more expensive.